How We Measure Demand
Charter demand data comes from multiple sources: FAA Air Traffic Organization departure counts, ADS-B flight tracking aggregated by operator type, operator fleet utilization reports, and pricing data from direct operator relationships. No single source captures the complete picture, but the combined data reveals clear trends.
Our analysis focuses on Part 135 charter operations using business jet aircraft (excluding turboprops and helicopters unless otherwise noted). We track departures, not revenue, because departure data is more consistently available and less subject to pricing methodology differences across operators.
Top 10 U.S. Charter Markets by Departures
| Rank | Market | Key Airports | YoY Change | Trend |
|---|
| 1 | South Florida | OPF, FLL, PBI, MIA | +12% | Strong growth |
| 2 | New York Metro | TEB, HPN, KFRG | +2% | Stable |
| 3 | Los Angeles | VNY, BUR, SNA | +5% | Moderate growth |
| 4 | Las Vegas | LAS, VGT, HND | +8% | Event-driven growth |
| 5 | Dallas/Fort Worth | ADS, DAL, DFW | +6% | Corporate growth |
| 6 | Houston | IAH, HOU, SGR | +4% | Energy sector stable |
| 7 | Chicago | MDW, PWK, DPA | -1% | Slightly soft |
| 8 | Washington D.C. | IAD, DCA, JYO | +3% | Government activity |
| 9 | San Francisco Bay | SJC, OAK, PAO | +7% | Tech recovery |
| 10 | Scottsdale/Phoenix | SDL, DVT, PHX | +9% | Strong seasonal |
+12%
South Florida (Fastest Major Market)
-1%
Chicago (Weakest Major Market)
+18%
Transatlantic Charter Growth
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Fastest-Growing Markets
The fastest charter demand growth in Q1 2026 is concentrated in:
- South Florida (+12%): The combination of continued population migration, no state income tax, and Florida's position as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean drives persistent demand growth. Opa-Locka (OPF) has emerged as one of the busiest charter airports in the country.
- Scottsdale/Phoenix (+9%): Strong Q1 seasonal demand from winter travelers, combined with growing corporate relocation to Arizona. Scottsdale Airport (SDL) is among the fastest-growing GA airports nationally.
- Las Vegas (+8%): Event-driven demand (conventions, sporting events, entertainment) supplements steady business travel. The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix created measurable demand spikes.
- San Francisco Bay (+7%): Tech sector recovery in 2025-2026 has restored charter demand that declined during the 2023 correction. Palo Alto (PAO) and San Jose (SJC) are seeing particular strength.
- Dallas/Fort Worth (+6%): Corporate relocations to Texas continue. Addison Airport (ADS) is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the country.
Flat and Declining Markets
Markets showing flat or declining demand:
- Chicago (-1%): Midwestern corporate demand has softened slightly, and harsh winter weather in Q1 suppressed discretionary travel. The market remains the seventh-largest but is not growing.
- New York Metro (+2%): The largest charter market by volume is growing slowly, constrained by congested airspace, limited ramp capacity at Teterboro, and pricing that exceeds most other markets.
- Northeast Corridor generally: Mature markets with limited growth potential. Charter demand is being partially displaced by improved commercial first-class service on short-haul routes.
International Demand
International charter demand shows strong growth in several segments:
- Transatlantic (+18%): U.S.-Europe charter demand has surged, driven by corporate travel, vacation demand, and the availability of ultra-long-range aircraft that make the crossing nonstop.
- Caribbean (+10%): Strong seasonal demand in Q1 with growing year-round activity. Our tracker data shows significant activity to Bahamas, St. Barts, and Turks & Caicos.
- U.S.-Mexico (+8%): Business and leisure demand to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico City, and Cancun remains strong.
Pricing Trends by Region
Charter pricing reflects supply-demand dynamics:
| Segment | Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025 | Driver |
|---|
| Light jet domestic | -3 to -5% | Fleet growth, fractional overflow |
| Midsize domestic | Flat | Balanced supply and demand |
| Super-midsize domestic | +2 to +4% | Strong demand, constrained supply |
| Heavy transatlantic | +5 to +8% | Demand growth exceeding fleet additions |
| Peak-day premium | +10 to +15% | Holiday and event surge pricing |
For current pricing and availability on specific routes, contact our charter team.
